Dragan Čović, the president of the Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina (HDZ BiH), met with the well-known Croatian singer Marko Perković, popularly known as Thompson, on Thursday in Mostar, where he referred to him as a friend. This meeting followed a series of Thompson's concerts, particularly one in Široki Brijeg that sparked significant backlash and accusations of fascism from Bosniak and Serbian politicians, as well as international organizations. Čović's public endorsement of Thompson is a notable political statement given the current sensitivities surrounding the singer's notoriety.

The meeting comes at a time when Thompson's performances have been criticized for purportedly glorifying fascist themes, leading to a broader condemnation from various sectors, including a statement from the European Union Delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which denounced the singer's concerts for their 'fascist symbols and salutes'. Despite this, Čović and his political allies maintain that Croatians do not need to justify their cultural expressions or gatherings, rallying behind the concept of national pride as expressed through Thompson's music.

This encounter signifies a complex intersection of music, politics, and national identity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as local leaders navigate the delicate balance between cultural pride and the historical implications of past conflicts. The implications of Čović's meeting with Thompson may further polarize discussions around national identity in the region, particularly amid rising tensions between different ethnic groups and their historical narratives.